The metamorphosis of the American diet in recent years has changed not only what we eat, but how we eat. Health concerns are at the forefront of these changes, and have had perhaps the greatest impact on new and emerging trends in the food and beverage industry. For one, we are increasingly a nation of snackers. 

Snacking between meals was at an all-time high in 2015 with two-thirds of adults over the age of 18 (155 million people) claiming to often snack between meals, according to survey data published in the recent Packaged Facts report Sweet Baked Goods: U.S. Market Trends. For many Americans, especially younger ones, snacks have even replaced traditional meals throughout the day.  Reinforcing the changing nature of meal consumption is the fact that roughly 40% of adults say they eat several small meals throughout the day compared to almost 35% in 2005.

But what foods are these snackers choosing? More than a quarter of Americans (30%) claim to usually only snack on healthy foods. Likewise, almost half (45%) claim that nutritional value is the most important factor in the foods they eat. Yet even as consumers seek to be healthy, there is the pervasive desire to indulge in treats they know aren't good for them—though when possible they want and seek out healthier or 'better for you' versions of their favorite treats.

This sustained desire to seek out comfort snacks—from cookies to cakes to donuts—has allowed the market for packaged sweet baked goods to continue to thrive in today's health-focused climate.  Sales reached $20 billion in 2014 and will uptick by a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 3% to reach $23 billion in 2019. Although other product categories are more suited to healthier formulations, sweet baked goods manufacturers have responded with products formulated to reduce sodium, sugar and fat, eliminate high fructose corn syrup and trans fats.  Products continue to be launched that are more natural, organic, and gluten-free, or include more beneficial ingredients such as whole and multi-grains, fiber, seeds and fruit.  

"The market is mature with growth challenged by health and diet concerns, changing snacking choices and an increasing desire for fresh rather than packaged foods. But there are opportunities for growth as consumers snack smarter even when indulging by choosing sweet goods designed for 'grab and go' snacking or products designed to minimize calorie count without overtly sacrificing the flavors familiar to customers," says David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts.

Cookies are typically the sweet baked treat of choice, with nearly three quarters of U.S. households eating them. Most households eat regular cookies while only a small percentage eat reduced fat/low fat or sugar free most often. Chocolate chip cookies are America's favorites with soft preferred by more people than crunchy versions.  Bite-sized cookies have grown in popularity as more people are eating "minis" or portion-controlled sizes.